The People you meet on the Reek: Climbing in the footsteps of our Ancestors" has been written over the last 14 years. It is a work of love which contains many themes and messages written in a humours reflective style. Central to the story is the mountain "Croagh Patrick" known as the 'Reek' located in county Mayo in the West of Ireland. Croagh Patrick is considered "Ireland's Holy Mountain" and is a place of pilgrimage to Irish people and the Irish diaspora spread across the globe by the effects of mass emigration. Each year over 100,000 people climb the Reek. Some climb barefoot totally invested in the Christian tradition. Others experience the calling of the Reek in different ways. Central to the story are the encounters on the Reek that have impacted upon the author. The journey to climb the Reek began as a way to reconnect with the land. It has also been an opportunity to seek personal healing and deliverance from the modern world. These escapes to the West of Ireland became a form of annual pilgrimage that eventually led to the decision to undertake the Tochar Phadraig starting at Ballintubber Abbey and finishing at the Reek. Along the way there have been many mishaps.

People have been drawn to climb the Reek for over 5000 years. The book is has arisen as the result of repeated trips to climb Croagh Patrick over the last thirty years, whilst searching to make sense of feeling inwardly Irish whilst appearing to outwardly English. The book explores the stories that make us and preserves the memory of the people who have gone before us. The book is a reflection upon the impact of Irish emigration and Irish qualities whilst also challenging the concept of nationalism and promoting the need to demonstrate kindness to strangers. The book is a humorous exploration of identity, heritage, pilgrimage, love, grief, the 'thin places' of Celtic Christianity, global warming, drama on the high seas, human folly and hope.The book is written for those trying to make sense of their own identity and the Irish Diaspora.